Lentswe, Klerksdorp - In celebrating 67 minutes of Mandela Day, Leano la Bophelo, a non-profit organization, organized a cultural event which was coupled with a flea market for artists and crafters to showcase their talent and sell their products and services.
The event was celebrated on Friday July 19 at Goudkoppie Heritage Hill. Artists from across Dr Kenneth Kaunda District attended the event and enjoyed in folk traditional songs and performances. The initiative to organise the event came as result that heritage sites and assets are left to be vandalised and becoming white elephants and Leano la Bophelo has taken it upon itself to restore the hill, which was left to rot and turned it to a vehicle to creating employment for artists across Matlosana area and the district.
The event was graced by Executive Mayor Fikile Mahlophe, who applauded the NPO for its outstanding work to rebuild Goudkoppie as it will rejuvenate the city’s economy and at the same time create employment for unemployed youth.
The mayor took a barefoot walk for 100 meters with everyone present at the event to connect with nature and heritage, and hand-printed the Nelson Mandela wall at the facility as a sign to officially welcome every artist to the event.
Rebuilding and renovations are still underway at the facility and the NPO will be launching its information centre on September 24, Heritage Day.
Leano la Bophelo coordinator Rathebe Mojaki thanked everyone who contributed to giving Goudkoppie a second chance and stressed that the facility shall continue to promote cultural heritage and provide opportunities to disadvantaged individuals.
